Girls’ trip to Port Hadlock, Washington brought together six women and one brave husband for four wondrous days of chatter, inspiration, and adventure. Prior work colleagues, we quickly became forever friends as bonds strengthened. We reminisced, shared personal stories, laughed, cried, and learned more about each other in four days than we did working together for years. We left the scorching July sun in Arizona to be bathed in perfect 70-degree weather where summertime favors the Pacific Northwest.

Our drive from SeaTac International Airport was a breeze with Jo Ann at the helm, Deb as navigator extraordinaire, and me in the center back seat between Cindy and Nancy. Nearing our destination, scenery exploded at the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, boasting views of the water and Olympic Mountains on either side.  This unique man-made bridge was constructed on floating concrete pontoons. It closes temporarily to allow boat traffic to pass through, yet we drove straight across—in awe—to the exquisite home of Don and Patty, our friends and hosts for the long weekend. Three decks overlook picturesque, forested shores of Puget Sound, a vast inlet of the Pacific Ocean hosting giant freighters, ferries, sailboats, and fishing boats of every size and type. 

The tide changes roughly every twelve hours, so we could behold a variety of saltwater plants and abundant sea life that play a vital role in the environment. Crystal clear water greeted us at low tide with starfish, clams, crabs, jellyfish, and a curious and friendly harbor seal we call “Augie.” We collected shells along the beach below “Dragon’s Heart Resort,” absorbed by intriguing sea creatures like barnacles—sticky little crustaceans—and colorful sea anemones anchoring themselves to sturdy rocks, daring us to feel their soft, squishy exteriors. I leaned low to inspect a lifeless jellyfish when a squirt of water startled me, splashing me on the nose from a burrowing clam. 

While exploring the shores of the Sound, we caught glimpses of wildlife—gulls, ducks, herons, and black-tailed deer. Not far from the shoreline, an eagle’s nest, six feet in diameter and three feet deep, rests high above in a live pine or cypress tree. The eagle builds her nest from large sticks and pads the cozy interior with moss, grass, plant stalks, lichens, or seaweed. 

Strolling along neighborhood trails, sky-scraping trees enveloped us, and a cloudless blue sky forecasted the perfect afternoon for kayaking. My first time maneuvering a solo kayak in the swift waters of Puget Sound might have been a daunting experience without the encouragement of friends who coached me, calmed me, and boosted my confidence. “Sit back in your seat and relax,” Deb said, paddling her way to within feet of my lagging kayak. “Enjoy this. You’re doing great.” As my former boss she encouraged me in different ways, but equally motivating, “Brace yourself for this next assignment!” And it was always a wild ride. 

These same friends were my strength as I pedaled into the depths of a pitch-black tunnel that seemed to have no end. I stopped halfway through to walk my bike, and Nancy (always the caring nurse) thought I’d fallen. “Is she okay? Is she hurt?” These friends had my back without ever pointing out my weak spots. Aside from the terror of losing total visibility for a brief stretch, e-biking was the most exhilarating experience of the trip, for me. The Spruce Railroad Trail in the Olympic National Park meanders along the northern shoreline of Lake Crescent. Breathtaking views of the lake compete with plant life along the trail—cedar, hemlock, giant fir trees, and overhanging Madrona trees with a reddish/rust bark. We parked our bikes to explore Devil’s Punchbowl, a sparkling sapphire natural pool with depths of 100 feet, where the boldest of visitors dive from the bridge crossing over it. One brave diver recovered an Apple watch, which entertained the seven of us as we cheered him on. 

Another adventure took us into the historic town of Poulsbo where we boarded a pontoon boat, drifting across Liberty Bay to catch stunning views of Mount Rainier, Bainbridge Island, and Seattle skyline in the distance. We caught sight of porpoises, egg yolk jellyfish, and lazy seals basking in the sun along the harbor. Waterfront shopping and a cold beer at The Slippery Pig brewery ended a perfect day.  

A less adventurous, yet entertaining drive into Port Townsend for shopping and dinner took us to Fort Worden Historical State Park, a 434-acre park with over two miles of saltwater shoreline, resting on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound. The park was constructed between 1898-1917, home to troops and officers training to defend the Sound from potential invaders. The fort, operational through two world wars, closed in 1953, but an historic lighthouse at nearby Point Wilson remains operational today. Scenes from An Officer and a Gentleman, starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger, were filmed at Fort Worden in the early 80’s. After researching this romantic drama dealing with matters of the heart, I’ll re-watch it now with a fresh perspective on relationships, taking chances, and developing my true character.  

At the end of each day, Patty presented appetizers (fresh spotted shrimp!) and Crown Royal Peach shots or wine, while Chef Don satisfied our palates with gourmet meals—pasta primavera, filet mignon, and Cioppino—a delicious Italian American stew with fresh halibut, scallops, cod and spicy sausage in a tomato base. Slurping fresh oysters on the half shell was another daring endeavor that didn’t disappoint. Following fancy desserts, playing games of “Five Crowns” was a time to let loose before slumbering in the warmth of memories from the day. From where I slept, I heard giggling from Cindy and Jo Ann late into the night, reminding me of slumber parties back in the day. Yet they awoke at the crack of dawn, making coffee to enjoy on the deck with a fire to warm our toes, and views that will linger endlessly in our heads.  

The flight back home presented an aerial view of Mount Rainier leaving behind the beauty of Washington, but bringing home a clearer presence of mind, warm thoughts, and genuine friendships.